On the Outside Looking In: Non-traditional MBA applicants

You might be a non-traditional MBA applicant if:

• You don’t have mentors or role models that have both an MBA degree and an educational and professional  background similar to yours,
• You don’t have several peers in your network that are pursuing or recently completed business school, or
• You don’t have a well-articulated plan to get from where you are now to your professional goals.

Over the last few months, I have run into several aspiring MBAs that clearly have what it takes to be successful in business school, yet seem to be floundering in the application process–unsure of how to get admitted. Finally, after a conversation with a superstar candidate (who is still struggling to navigate the process), it hit me like a ton of bricks. While all of these candidates have different backgrounds and diverse professional interests, they shared one important characteristic–they are all non-traditional MBA applicants. And this status, of non-traditional, will collectively make their chances of admission to business school harder. Give me a second to explain (I am not suggesting that non-traditional applicants are less desirable to business school; in fact, the opposite is true).

What is a non-traditional MBA applicant?

In a nutshell, “non-traditional” is a catch-all phrase that captures an MBA applicant or student whose profile is distinct from the majority, i.e. not fitting with the established norm or being atypical. The non-traditional pre-MBA path is defined by educational and professional experiences that are not typically linked with business, such as government, non-profit, or social services (versus the more common pre-MBA fields of finance, consulting and marketing). It can also include someone who has worked for a for-profit business, but in a field, industry or area in which MBAs are not common, such as Advertising or Information Technology.

The “non-traditional” designation also includes those who plan to pursue less typical career paths after leaving business school (we will talk more about that in the coming weeks). And then there are the “super non-traditional applicants”–with an “S” on their chests–that are coming from a non-traditional background and intending to continue on a non-traditional MBA path. Furthermore, a bit more nebulous, but equally important are demographics. One’s status as a non-traditional MBA applicant may be linked to life experiences–such as socio-economic background, gender and ethnicity.

Non-traditional…so what?

So what’s the big deal with non-traditional applicants? A non-traditional MBA candidate is just as capable of crafting a compelling MBA application as a more traditional candidate (prototype: management consultant, who was an economics major whose dad also has a MBA).

To be clear, the two most important factors in successfully navigating the MBA application process are willpower and competence, which have nothing to do with your background. You will be apply to business school–studying for the GMAT, writing essays, visiting schools–all while working full-time. And in the process, you have to present yourself and your story to compel the admission committee to accept you. When you look beyond desire and ability, there are very practical elements that non-traditional MBA applicants often lack:

1. An extensive network of MBA students and alumni, which enables them to develop a realistic view of business school and its value
2. Role models and mentors that have charted the path (or at least related paths) to help them connect their past experiences with their future goals and determine how to best leverage the MBA
3. A high-performing peer community to push them and accelerate their progress (for most of us, ultra-successful friends are the best motivation to get things done)
4. Guidance and support from MBA insiders who can help them articulate a cohesive story with credible goals and aspirations

Even with resolve and commitment to apply to business school, candidates that don’t have the appropriate network and support system are at a disadvantage in the MBA admissions process. Non-traditional MBA applicants are significantly more likely to fall in this category.

Overall, non-traditional candidates are highly sought-after by MBA programs and are very interested in attending business school, yet their backgrounds can potentially hold them back. That is a travesty particularly when you consider the wealth of information that is generally available about the MBA application process. Unfortunately, not much of this information is specifically addressing the needs and challenges of non-traditional MBA applicants. Thus, I’ve decided to dedicate the remainder of the admissions season, namely the next twelve weeks, to blogging about issues relevant to non-traditional MBA applicants. Of course, I reserve the right to occasionally share musing about other subjects.

If you are a non-traditional candidate, let me know what’s on your mind. What are you struggling with? What did you recently learn that could be helpful to another candidate? Tweet me at @mbaminority.

If you know a non-traditional MBA applicant, share this post with them. Let’s build a stronger community.

Be well!

Nicole